Millions of motorists could be at risk of a £1,000 fine for breaking rules when using their Blue Badges for parking in certain areas.
Around 2.84 million Blue Badges are held across England, as of March 31, 2024, with a 10 per cent increase being seen compared to March 2023.
The data from the Department for Transport shows that a staggering 4.9 per cent of the English population holds a Blue Badge, with 38 per cent being automatically entitled to the permit.
The Blue Badge allows drivers with mobility problems to park closer to their destination, with the permit seen as a lifeline for many motorists.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing[email protected]
Drivers with Blue Badges have been warned of places where they cannot park
GETTY/PA
The Highway Code outlines the rules in place for motorists when parking, including Rule 241, which states that they must not park in spaces reserved for specific users, like Blue Badge holders.
Similarly, Rule 239 states that drivers should not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge.
It states that motorists should be conscious of other road users, as any occupants in the vehicle may need additional space to enter or exit the car.
Guidance states that the Blue Badge is "not a licence to park anywhere", with drivers required to follow road rules, as noted in the Highway Code.
More than 2.8 million drivers across the UK possess a Blue Badge
GETTYPlaces where drivers cannot park with a Blue Badge
- Spaces where a ban on loading or unloading is in force, which will be indicated by kerb markings
- Parking places reserved for specific uses, like residents' bays or loading bays
- Pedestrian crossings (zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossings), including areas marked by zig-zag lines)
- Clearways (no stopping)
- A bus stop clearway during its hours of operation
- An urban clearway within its hours of operation
- School "keep clear" markings during the hours shown on a yellow no-stopping plate
- Bus, tram or cycle lanes or cycle tracks
- Where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken
- Suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed
- Where temporary parking restrictions are in force
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
In England, drivers can get a Blue Badge for £10, while Scottish motorists are required to pay £20. It is free to get the permit in Wales.
Blue Badges normally last up to three years, with drivers being urged to reapply for the permit before the current one expires.
Drivers could be slapped with a £1,000 fine if they misuse the Blue Badge, with the permit potentially being confiscated, as the Government aims to ensure the scheme is not abused.
Official guidance states: "You must never give the badge to friends or family to allow them to have the benefit of the parking concessions.
Drivers can be fined for parking in disabled bays without having a Blue BadgeGETTY"You must never use a copied badge to park or try to change the details on a badge.
"The badge remains the property of the issuing local council. They can ask for the badge to be returned if it is being misused."
Drivers are able to apply for a Blue Badge online if they have a recent digital photo of their head and shoulders, proof of identity, proof of address and proof of benefits.
They will also need their National Insurance number, if they have one, as well as details of their current Blue Badge, if they are reapplying.
Most Read
